“I look forward to seeing how each individual chef interprets the brief to their own style,” says Gary Jones, chair of the judges and executive head chef at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

“The written entries must entice our judges…so keep it brilliantly simple, on point, on time and true to your own culinary flair. Get ready to impress our judges as NCOTY opens so many opportunities and I can’t wait to help judge some of the most-talented up and coming chefs in the UK.”

Candidates have until 30 March to submit their entry.

A shortlist of 40 semi-finalists will be announced on 18 May, who will go on to compete in heats at Sheffield College on 12 June and Le Cordon Bleu London on 19 June.

Ten chefs will make it through to the final at The Restaurant Show on 2 October, where they will be judged by past winners and some of the top chefs in the country.